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20 Nov 2023

A focus on independent stores and ‘browse-only’ shops can help to reverse the fortunes of the struggling high street, new research shows.

15 Nov 2023

The British Independent Retailers Association (BIRA), which works with over 6,000 independent businesses of all sizes across the UK, has outlined its expectations from the government...

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7 Nov 2023

Communities across Cornwall can now apply for grants of up to £100,000 to improve High Streets, the council has said.

6 Nov 2023

A Christmas campaign encouraging Warwickshire’s independent town businesses to shout about why shoppers should buy from them this year is making a comeback.

6 Nov 2023

With just over six weeks until Christmas, The Times has named what it says are the seven prettiest towns in the UK for Christmas shopping, making special mention of the presence of independent...

2 Nov 2023

Cytech, the internationally recognised training and accreditation scheme for bicycle technicians, has relaunched its Cytech theory one online learning course delivering an introduction to...

23 Oct 2023

Cardmitment campaign launched to remind people of the power of sending greetings cards

23 Oct 2023

The International Longevity Centre has released new guides to show the steps retailers need to take to make their shops more accessible for the elderly.

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Beware of an increase in fraud; here's what to look out for...

Posted on in Business News , Cycles News

Members across the Independent Retailers Confederation (IRC) have reported an increase in scam emails and fraud attempts experienced by retailers.

Spotting suspicious messages

Spotting scam messages and phone calls is becoming increasingly difficult. Many scams will even fool the experts. However, there are some tricks that criminals will use to try and get you to respond without thinking. Things to look out for are:

  • Authority - Is the message claiming to be from someone official? For example, your bank, doctor, a solicitor, or a government department. Criminals often pretend to be important people or organisations to trick you into doing what they want.
  • Urgency - Are you told you have a limited time to respond (such as 'within 24 hours' or 'immediately')? Criminals often threaten you with fines or other negative consequences.
  • Emotion - Does the message make you panic, fearful, hopeful or curious? Criminals often use threatening language, make false claims of support, or tease you into wanting to find out more.
  • Scarcity - Is the message offering something in short supply, like concert tickets, money or a cure for medical conditions? Fear of missing out on a good deal or opportunity can make you respond quickly.
  • Current events - Are you expecting to see a message like this? Criminals often exploit current news stories, big events or specific times of year (like tax reporting) to make their scam seem more relevant to you.

ACT and ActSmart partner Global Payments have provided a couple of handy guides that aim to provide you with some popular hints and tips for identifying potential fraud to help you protect your business. Click on the buttons below to download each guide.

COMMON FRAUDS AND WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR  

HINTS AND TIPS FOR PROTECTING YOUR BUSINESS AGAINST FRAUD

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